Innovation Solutions for Underwater Inspections

In recognition of its expertise, ESCO has recently released an in-depth guide outlining the key procedures for effectively conducting Underwater Inspections In-Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD). Our comprehensive manual covers a range of vital topics, including an extensive inspection checklist, insights into the importance of securing UWILD certification and other crucial subsea details.

UWILD, or Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking, represents a progressive and often more advantageous approach compared to traditional dry-docking methods for marine vessel inspection. This technique is increasingly recognised for its safety and efficiency benefits. Unlike dry-docking, where vessels must be taken out of the water for examination, UWILD inspections are conducted while the vessel remains submerged. This method not only reduces downtime but also minimises the disruption to normal vessel operations.

The core of a UWILD inspection is a thorough examination of the vessel's underwater structure. This includes the hull, propellers, rudders and other components that are typically submerged. These inspections are critical for identifying issues such as corrosion, biofouling, structural damage or any other abnormalities that could compromise the vessel's integrity or performance. Utilising advanced underwater technology and expert divers, UWILD inspections offer a detailed assessment of these areas, ensuring that the vessel meets all safety and operational standards.

Moreover, the adoption of UWILD can lead to significant cost savings for vessel operators. By eliminating the need for dry-docking, which often requires extensive planning and logistics, UWILD inspections can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming. Additionally, this method allows for more frequent and flexible inspections, facilitating early detection of potential issues and thereby reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or accidents in the future.

In summary, UWILD provides a safer, more efficient and cost-effective alternative for marine vessel inspections, aligning with modern industry needs while ensuring compliance with maritime safety regulations.

Payload Attachments and Accessories

While thickness testing may not be a standard requirement for all UWILD inspections, its relevance becomes critical when a surveyor identifies areas of concern. In such scenarios, precise measurements of material thickness are essential to assess the vessel's structural health. ESCO's advanced Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are specifically designed to support these detailed inspections with their modular capabilities, allowing for easy integration of various inspection tools.

One of the key features of ESCO’s ROVs is the option to incorporate sonar technology. This addition is particularly useful in environments where water clarity is compromised. The sonar equipment provides clear and accurate imaging, enabling surveyors to conduct thorough inspections even in turbid waters. This capability ensures that no structural anomalies go unnoticed, regardless of underwater visibility conditions.

Furthermore, the integration of the Cygnus thickness gauge with ESCO's ROVs marks a significant advancement in underwater inspection technology. This tool allows operators to precisely measure the thickness of ship hulls and internal compartments, providing vital data on the vessel’s structural integrity. Such measurements are crucial in determining the longevity and safety of the vessel, particularly in identifying areas susceptible to corrosion or wear.

Lastly, the addition of a laser scaler to ESCO’s ROVs enhances the accuracy of defect assessment. This tool is invaluable for estimating the dimensions of cracks, dents or other defects found during inspections. By providing precise measurements of these irregularities, the laser scaler aids in the accurate evaluation of the vessel's condition, facilitating informed decisions about necessary repairs or maintenance.

In essence, ESCO’s innovative ROV technology, equipped with these specialised tools, significantly elevates the effectiveness and accuracy of UWILD inspections. These advancements not only streamline the inspection process but also contribute to maintaining high standards of maritime safety and vessel integrity.

1. Introduction to Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking (UWILD): This section provides a comprehensive overview of UWILD, explaining what it entails and how it differs from traditional dry-docking methods. It aims to familiarise readers with the concept and process of UWILD, setting a foundational understanding for the rest of the article.
2. The Significance of UWILD Certification: Here, the focus shifts to the importance of obtaining UWILD certification. This part discusses the benefits and requirements of being certified, emphasising why it's crucial for organisations and surveyors involved in maritime inspections.
3. Hull Inspection and Maintenance Program (HIMP) & American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Certification:This segment delves into the specifics of the HIMP program and its integration with ABS certification standards. It explains how these programs work in tandem to ensure the structural integrity and safety of vessels through regular inspections and maintenance. 
4. UWILD Inspection Checklist: An essential part of the article, this section outlines a detailed checklist for conducting UWILD inspections. It serves as a practical guide for surveyors and inspectors, covering the key areas and components that need to be assessed during an underwater inspection.
5. The Utility of UWILD Inspections: This portion addresses the question, "Why are UWILD Inspections Useful?" It highlights the advantages of UWILD over traditional inspection methods, including cost-effectiveness, efficiency, safety and minimal operational disruptions.
6. Conducting UWILD with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): The final section explores the use of ROVs in UWILD. It discusses how ROVs enhance the inspection process by providing detailed, accurate underwater assessments and how they are revolutionising the field of underwater inspection.

When undertaking a UWILD, it's essential to meticulously inspect certain key underwater areas of the vessel, as these are prone to wear and damage that could lead to significant operational issues. The inspection process typically involves a detailed examination of several critical components:

1. Stern Bearings and Rudder Bearings: These bearings play a pivotal role in the vessel's navigational capabilities. Inspectors look for signs of wear, corrosion or damage that could impede the vessel's manoeuvrability.
2. Sea Suctions and Sea Valves: These components are crucial for the vessel's water intake and discharge systems. Inspectors assess them for blockages, corrosion and structural integrity to ensure they function correctly and do not pose a flooding risk.
3. Shell Plating: The shell plating forms the outer skin of the vessel and is crucial for maintaining its watertight integrity. Inspectors examine the shell plating for cracks, corrosion and any deformations that could compromise the vessel's strength and safety.
4. Additional Areas of Inspection: Depending on the vessel's design and operational history, other areas might also require inspection. This could include the propeller, thrusters, hull coatings and any other underwater fittings or structures.

These inspections are not just about identifying current problems but also about foreseeing potential issues. Regular UWILD inspections can detect early signs of wear or damage, allowing for timely maintenance and repairs. This proactive approach is vital for prolonging the lifespan of the vessel, ensuring safety, and maintaining operational efficiency.

Furthermore, while UWILD inspections provide a non-intrusive and cost-effective alternative to dry-docking, it's important to note that not all vessels or situations will be suitable for UWILD. The decision to opt for UWILD should be made after a thorough assessment of the vessel's condition and considering any previous recommendations for repairs. In cases where significant repairs are required, especially to critical components like propellers or rudders, dry-docking might still be the necessary choice to ensure the vessel's safety and seaworthiness.

In addition to the initial visual examination during a UWILD, video documentation plays a crucial role. It must provide a clear and comprehensive view of various critical components of the vessel.    

This includes:

1. Hull Markings: The condition of the hull markings is inspected to ensure the vessel's identification and draft marks are visible and accurate. This is important for compliance with maritime regulations and for assessing the vessel's loading condition.
2. Sea Chests, Inlets, and Discharges: These areas are vital for the vessel's water intake and outflow systems. The video must show their condition clearly to assess any blockages, corrosion or structural weaknesses.
3. Rudders, Pintles, and Propeller: The inspection focuses on these navigational and propulsion components, looking for signs of wear, damage or misalignment that could affect the vessel's manoeuvrability and efficiency.

When areas of corrosion or damage are identified, a more in-depth examination is necessary. This often involves internal inspections and may require thickness testing to evaluate the extent of material degradation. While not all UWILD inspections necessitate thickness testing, it becomes imperative when the surveyor identifies areas of concern. Thickness testing is essential for assessing the structural integrity of the vessel, especially in sections where corrosion or damage is evident. It helps determine whether repairs or replacements are needed, ensuring the vessel remains safe and seaworthy.

The comprehensive approach of UWILD inspections, combining visual assessments with detailed technical evaluations like thickness testing, ensures a thorough understanding of the vessel's condition. This is crucial not only for compliance with safety regulations but also for effective maintenance planning. By identifying potential issues early, vessel owners can undertake necessary repairs before they escalate into more serious problems, thus maintaining the vessel's operational readiness and prolonging its service life.

Certification and Training

The rigorous process of UWILD certification, as governed by classification societies like ABS, DNV-GL, Bureau Veritas, and Lloyd's Register, plays a pivotal role in maintaining maritime safety and operational standards. The evolution of these classifications from mere technical assessments for marine insurers to comprehensive, unbiased evaluations by third-party organisations underscores their significance in the maritime industry. These societies operate with a key principle of maintaining neutrality and credibility, as their primary objective is not commercial gain but the overall safety and integrity of the maritime sector.

For vessel owners and stakeholders, obtaining certification from these societies is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a commitment to safety, reliability, and sustainability. Certification ensures that vessels are not only structurally sound but also operationally efficient and environmentally compliant. It acts as a testament to the vessel's seaworthiness, providing assurance to owners, employees, insurers and all parties relying on the vessel’s operations.

Particularly for large vessels, regular inspections and certifications are crucial. The rigorous inspection every five years, as mandated by bodies like ABS, involves a thorough assessment of the vessel’s structural and operational integrity. This comprehensive inspection is instrumental in identifying any potential issues that could compromise safety or efficiency.

Moreover, the Hull Inspection and Maintenance Program (HIMP), as utilised by ABS, exemplifies the proactive approach to vessel maintenance. HIMP not only facilitates the process of maintaining certification but also aids in reclassification in cases where a vessel's certification has been suspended. This program is integral to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the vessel, emphasising continuous monitoring and maintenance over periodic checks.

For Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), the guidelines mirror those for maritime vessels, underscoring the universal importance of these standards across various maritime assets. The overarching aim of these certifications and inspections is to safeguard not only the physical asset but also the lives dependent on its safe operation and the environmental impact of its functioning.

In conclusion, the process of obtaining and maintaining UWILD certification, as governed by these classification societies, is fundamental to the maritime and offshore drilling industries. It represents a holistic approach to ensuring the safety, efficiency and longevity of vessels and offshore units, reflecting a commitment to excellence in maritime operations.

The HIMP program, tailored specifically for ABS-classed vessels, represents a structured and systematic approach to hull inspection and maintenance. This program underscores the commitment of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to uphold the highest standards of vessel safety and operational integrity. To participate in this program, vessels must not only be ABS certified but also meet several key prerequisites. These include having an ABS certified inspector for the hull and the necessary HIMP software installed on the vessel’s computers. Additionally, a comprehensive review of all previous documentation pertaining to the vessel is conducted by an ABS surveyor to ensure compliance and to establish a baseline for ongoing inspections.

During the HIMP inspections, an ABS certified inspector, typically from the vessel’s owning company, conducts both above-board and underwater inspections. An ABS surveyor is also present during these inspections to verify the process and findings. The surveyor’s role is crucial, as they are responsible for ensuring that all critical aspects of the vessel, including the hull, engines, ballast tanks and maintenance equipment, are in optimal operating condition. This collaborative inspection approach ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly.

If, during an inspection, any area of the vessel is suspected of needing repair, a unique aspect of the HIMP program comes into play. The vessel may be placed on temporary suspension, allowing for necessary repairs to be carried out without the vessel losing its overall certification. Once the repairs are completed, the inspector and surveyor reassess the vessel to determine if it meets the required safety standards to resume operation.

The HIMP program mandates regular inspections at specific intervals: annual, intermediate (every three years), and comprehensive (every five years). These intervals are strategically planned to provide a continuous assessment of the vessel’s condition, ensuring that any emerging issues are addressed promptly and effectively. The Annual Inspection is a general review of the vessel’s condition, while the Intermediate and 5-Year Inspection Intervals involve more in-depth evaluations, focusing on different aspects of the vessel’s structure and systems.

In essence, the HIMP program and ABS certification are not just regulatory requirements; they represent a proactive and thorough approach to maritime safety and vessel maintenance. By adhering to these standards, vessel owners and operators demonstrate their dedication to maintaining the highest levels of safety, thus safeguarding their assets, crew and the environment.

Special Periodic Surveys | Periodic Inspections

The Annual Inspection of a vessel is a critical component of maintaining maritime safety and operational integrity. During this inspection, several key areas of the vessel are thoroughly examined and reported to the surveyor. The focus of these inspections includes:

1. Suspect or Critical Structural Locations: Areas previously identified as potentially problematic or showing signs of wear, corrosion or damage are given priority. This ensures that any ongoing issues are monitored and addressed promptly.  
2. Deck Area: The condition of the deck is assessed for structural integrity, safety and functionality. This includes checking for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
3. Ballast Tanks (Including Cargo Tanks, Peak Tanks, etc.): The structural and coating condition of all ballast tanks is scrutinised. These inspections are vital for ensuring the integrity of the tanks and preventing leakage or contamination.       
4. Hatch Covers and Access Hatches with Closing Appliances: These are checked for proper operation and sealing to ensure they are watertight and secure, preventing water ingress.
5. Deck Equipment, Fittings, Helicopter Landing Pads: This includes examining all equipment and fittings on the deck for operational integrity and safety, including specialised structures like helicopter landing pads. 
6. Piping and Supports: The inspections cover all accessible piping systems and their supports, checking for signs of corrosion, leakage or any other issues that might compromise their functionality or safety.          
7. Superstructures and Deckhouses: These are assessed for structural integrity and condition, ensuring they can withstand the stresses of maritime operations.  
8. Shell Plating Above the Waterline: This area is inspected for any signs of damage, corrosion or other defects that could affect the vessel’s structural integrity.
9. Cargo Holds, Tanks, and Spaces: The condition of these areas is crucial for safe and efficient cargo operations. They are inspected for structural soundness and operational integrity.
10. Voids and Cofferdams: These are inspected to ensure they are structurally sound and not compromised in any way.    
11. Pipe Ducts and Tunnels: The inspection ensures that these areas are clear of obstructions and structurally sound.         
12. Longitudinal Box Girders and Cross Deck Box Beams: These structural elements are vital for the vessel’s strength and are carefully examined for any signs of stress or wear.     
13. Sea Connections and Overboard Discharges: These are inspected to ensure they are functioning correctly and not posing any environmental or operational risks.

The Annual Inspection is comprehensive, covering every aspect of the vessel to ensure it remains safe, efficient and compliant with maritime safety regulations. It is an essential practice for early detection of potential issues, allowing for timely maintenance and repairs, thereby prolonging the vessel's service life and therefore, ensuring the safety of its crew and the environment.

Intermediate Inspections (Every 3 Years):

Intermediate Inspections, conducted triennially, encompass all areas included in the Annual Survey and further extend to additional critical components:

1. External Shell Plating Below the Waterline: This area is scrutinised for integrity and condition. Inspectors look for signs of corrosion, damage or fouling that could impact the vessel's performance or safety.     
2. Internal Condition of Boundary Plating, Internal Bulkheads, Framing, Girders: The structural integrity of these internal components is vital for the vessel's overall stability and safety. Inspectors assess them for corrosion, deformation or any other signs of wear.           
3. Internal Condition of All Tanks Containing Bilge or Oily Water: These tanks are inspected for leaks, corrosion, and proper functioning of their containment and discharge systems. Ensuring the integrity of these tanks is crucial to prevent pollution and maintain operational efficiency.

Intensive Inspections (Every 5 Years):

The 5 Year Inspection is the most comprehensive, incorporating all elements from the Annual and Intermediate Surveys, with an added focus on the vessel's entire tank system:

1. All Tanks Including Fresh Water Tanks, Fuel Tanks, Diesel Tanks, Lube Oil Tanks, etc.: This extensive inspection covers every tank on the vessel. Inspectors examine the tanks for structural integrity, proper functioning and cleanliness. This includes assessing for corrosion, leaks and ensuring that the tanks are free from contaminants.          
2. Additional Structural and Safety Assessments: Given the comprehensive nature of the 5 Year Inspection, it may also include a more in-depth analysis of the vessel's overall structural integrity, safety systems and operational readiness.

The Intermediate and 5 Year Inspections are designed to be progressively more thorough, ensuring that any potential issues are identified and addressed. These inspections are critical for maintaining the long-term safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance of the vessel. By adhering to these rigorous inspection schedules, vessel operators can ensure that their assets are not only compliant with maritime regulations but are also operating at their highest possible standards, thus safeguarding the vessel, its crew, and the environment.

These regular and detailed inspections play a pivotal role in the lifecycle management of maritime assets, ensuring their continued suitability for service and contributing to the overall safety and reliability of the maritime industry.

UWILD Inspection Checklist: Key Elements and Procedures

1. General Hull Inspection: The hull's structural integrity is paramount. Inspectors must meticulously note any defects, discolouration’s, dents, scratches or imperfections. Advanced technologies like sonar add-ons enhance the detection of minute cracks that might be invisible to the naked eye.      
2. Paint Condition: Efficient water navigation and fuel economy are significantly influenced by the vessel's paint condition. Smooth, well-maintained paint contributes to vessel efficiency. ROV inspections help assess paint quality and inform maintenance schedules.
3. Fouling: Hull fouling can impact speed, fuel efficiency, and even pose risks to crew, cargo and marine life. Regular ROV inspections are essential for monitoring fouling and determining optimal cleaning schedules.        
4. Hatch Covers: These covers must be watertight to protect cargo and prevent ocean water from causing internal structural damage through corrosion. Inspections should focus on identifying any structural damage. 
5. Ports: Inspections ensure the watertight integrity of all ports below the freeboard deck. Freeing ports should be examined for corrosion-free movement of shutters, pins and hinges.        
6. Anchors: Careful inspection of anchors and chains is vital for detecting wear, damage, or weakness. This includes a thorough visual assessment of shackles, swivels and the anchor itself.          
7. Propellers (Props):Blades: Inspect for dings, dents, or bends to ensure safe operation.Shafts: Check shafts for structural integrity and straightness to avoid unsteadiness.Hubs: Regular inspections of propeller hubs are crucial to confirm their strength and effectiveness.Seals: Shaft seals must be in good condition to ensure proper propeller function.  
8. Stern Bearings: Inspect oil-lubricated bearings for intact seal assemblies and acceptable clearance or wear. Check for oil loss and seawater contamination. Wood and rubber bearings should be examined for clearance through the rope guard.      
9. Rudder Bearings: Assess the condition and clearance of rudder bearings, including the integrity of pintle and gudgeon assemblies. Clearance verification may be waived if the surveyor is satisfied with the physical condition and securing arrangements, considering the vessel’s operating history and onboard testing.          
10. Sea Suctions and Valves: Ensure Sea suction openings are clear and in good condition. Examine sea valves and their attachment to sea chests, including expansion pieces in seawater cooling and circulating systems.    
11. Shell Plating: Inspect the majority of the vessel's surface area, focusing on areas where seals are made or surfaces join. Start with above-waterline plating and appendages, then proceed underwater.           
12. Inspection Recording and Communication: Ensure two-way communication between the inspector and surveyor throughout the inspection. All inspection phases, from the start of the diver or ROV inspection to its conclusion, must be thoroughly documented.

This comprehensive checklist is critical in ensuring the thorough and effective inspection of a vessel's submerged areas and components. By adhering to this detailed protocol, operators can maintain their vessels in optimal condition, ensuring safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance in maritime operations.

Advantages of UWILD Inspections:

1. Cost and Time Efficiency: Dry docking is not only expensive but also time-consuming. It involves extensive logistics, from transporting the vessel to a dry dock facility to the actual maintenance and repair processes. UWILD inspections, on the other hand, significantly reduce these costs and time commitments by eliminating the need to remove the vessel from its operational environment.         
2. Safety and Convenience: The process of dry docking, especially the transition of setting the vessel on keel blocks, poses risks of damage and injury. UWILD inspections mitigate these risks as they are conducted with the vessel in its natural, buoyant state.   
3. Reduced Preparation and Downtime: Dry docking necessitates extensive preparatory work, including the removal of equipment and cargo. This preparation is not required for UWILD, allowing for less disruption to the vessel’s operations and schedules.         
4. Comprehensive Hull and Tank Inspections: Inspecting submerged parts like the hull and interior of liquid-filled tanks is challenging. UWILD inspections offer a practical solution, allowing for thorough examination of these critical areas without the need for dry docking.           
5. Adaptability Across Vessel Types: While the frequency of dry docking varies based on the type of vessel and its use, UWILD provides a flexible and efficient alternative suitable for commercial vessels, naval ships and pleasure crafts alike.

Role of ROVs in UWILD:

The incorporation of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in UWILD inspections revolutionises the process by enhancing safety and efficiency:

1. Enhanced Safety: Traditional UWILD inspections, often conducted by divers, pose risks due to the challenging underwater environment. ROVs eliminate the need for human divers, thus significantly reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.  
2. Improved Inspection Quality: ROVs equipped with advanced imaging and sonar technologies provide high-quality, detailed views of the vessel’s submerged parts. This leads to more accurate and comprehensive inspections.     
3. Accessibility and Coverage: ROVs can access areas that might be challenging or risky for human divers, ensuring a more thorough inspection. They can manoeuvre around the entire submerged portion of the vessel, including hard-to-reach areas.         
4. Real-Time Monitoring and Documentation: With ROVs, inspections can be monitored in real-time by the surveyor and detailed documentation can be recorded for review and compliance purposes.         
5. Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: The use of ROVs can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with underwater inspections, making UWILD a more efficient alternative to dry docking.

In summary, UWILD inspections, particularly those utilising ROVs, offer a safer, more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional dry docking. They provide comprehensive and detailed inspections while minimising the risks and operational disruptions associated with dry docking, thereby benefiting vessel owners, operators, and the maritime industry.

Operational Advantages of Using ROVs in UWILD:      

1. Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: ROVs provide a safe and efficient alternative to traditional diver-based inspections. By utilising ROVs, operators can conduct thorough inspections without exposing human divers to underwater hazards. This approach significantly reduces the risks associated with underwater inspections.           
2. User-Friendly Control and Quick Deployment: ROVs are now designed for ease of use with handheld LCD screen controllers, making them accessible even to those with limited ROV operating experience. Their quick deployment capability and battery-operated design ensure that inspections can be conducted promptly, minimising downtime.
3. Advanced Inspection Capabilities: The modular design of these ROVs allows for the integration of various tools to enhance inspection quality. Options like sonar imaging enable clear visibility in turbid waters, while integrated tools like the Cygnus thickness gauge assist in assessing the structural integrity of a vessel’s hull and compartments. The addition of a laser scaler aids in accurately measuring the size of any detected damage, such as cracks or dents.          
4. Cost-Effectiveness and Timesaving: ROVs streamline the inspection process, reducing the need for multiple personnel and cutting down on the time and costs associated with traditional inspection methods. This efficiency is crucial for regular maintenance and compliance with regulatory standards. 
5. Pre-Inspection Advantages: Having an ROV on hand allows for preliminary inspections before the official survey. This pre-inspection can identify potential issues, allowing for pre-emptive corrective measures. Addressing issues before the formal inspection can prevent costly classification suspensions or removals, saving significant time and resources.       
6. Acceptance of Historical Data in Surveys: Surveyors may accept time-stamped data from ROV inspections as part of the evaluation process. This historical data can be crucial in demonstrating consistent maintenance and compliance over time. 
7. Flexibility in Inspection Planning: The ability to conduct unscheduled, quick inspections or rehearsals provides vessel owners with greater flexibility and control over maintenance schedules. This proactive approach to vessel management can prevent last-minute discoveries and ensure continuous compliance.         
8. Expert Support and Customisation: ESCO’s team of experts offers support and guidance in choosing the right ROV setup. Operators can get customised solutions tailored to their specific inspection needs, ensuring they have the most effective tools for their UWILD requirements.

In conclusion, the use of ROVs in UWILD inspections presents a modern, innovative solution that enhances safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These advanced vehicles not only streamline the inspection process but also provide operators with greater control and flexibility in maintaining their vessels, ultimately contributing to improved maritime safety standards and operational excellence.

For more information, contact Jack Boath and team at Emirates Specialized .